My stumbling - the strength of being humble

Words are funny. What a word means to me might mean something completely different to someone else.

Words are not a simple destination… they are more like a sign pointing toward a destination. But the destination of ultimate meaning of words are dictated by our life experiences. The same word can mean something different to me and to someone else based on our life experiences. As an organization, we are on a journey to build a common language. We are on the journey of helping guide our team to a deeper understanding of what we are building. In the pursuit of building a common set of behaviors through language and stories. 

I’m seeking to find greater clarity in my understanding of our values to better articulate them for years to come. Words are so unbelievably powerful and we as a leadership team can influence our team to point them toward the destination.

One of the core values of our organization is HUMBLE.

At first glance for some, this might point to meekness or quiet. Or it might even point to weakness because our society rewards bravado, stereotypical confidence, etc.

I believe humble at its most pure is the utmost strength. It is the security in knowing we are enough just as we are but are open to possibility and improvement. We are in the moment appreciating the interdependent, complex relationship of ourselves, our organization, and our community. A posture of humility allows for curiosity to prevail. 

Humility allows us to see the game of business as a journey rather than a race because there is no finish line. If we perceived it as a race with a finish line then complacency could set in. Andy Grove, Intel executive, said it best on the risk of achievement: “Success breeds complacency.

Complacency breeds failure…” Humility is a daily dose of vitamins to eradicate arrogance. 

Humility keeps us grounded. It keeps us on the path of remaining in touch with reality and our head on a swivel to continue moving forward and not slipping off the mountain. Most deaths related to the climb of Everest have occurred not on the ascent but on the voyage down the mountain. Reaching the top of the mountain does not guarantee the safety of the hiker down the mountain. Robin Sharma states about those who fail to remain humble: “At the peak is where you must be most careful. Complacency will get you killed.”

Past success does not equal future success. Each day is a new day. What got us here won’t get us there. We must be open to what the world has to offer each day. I believe a posture of humility allows us to walk lightly while listening intently to our people, our marketplace, and our community.

I believe humble leadership is a sign of incredible strength and provides inspiration for those who walk alongside us to bring their best selves along the journey too!